The London borough of Barnet, which sits aside a group of hills on the northern edge of the London Basin, is known to be one of the highest London boroughs. Barnet, the largest London borough by population, also has a large number of restrictive low bridges – so a tricky combination of factors that make gritting solutions and winter maintenance problematic. In response to these challenges, Econ is trialling a new MAN 18.250 4X4 BB C cab as part of their Gritting Hire Fleet solution for the borough.
Powered by the latest generation MAN D08 SCR only, 6 cylinder, Euro 6D compliant engine, measuring 6.9 litres, the new MAN TGM 4X4 gritter is fitted with a permanently mounted Econ 6 m3 spreader.
Manufactured from high tensile strength mild steel the spreader body, once fabricated, is shot blasted and treated with a zinc rich epoxy coating then heat baked to minimise corrosion from salt. Using Econ’s innovative Low Throw spreader technology, which ensures salt is spread underneath parked cars and oncoming traffic, particularly important in areas of high traffic density, the vehicle is fitted with Econ’s advanced Spargo Touch control route guidance system. Spargo Touch control provides the driver with prescribed route information highlighting details such as low bridges and route obstructions. Once the body and chassis are married a coating of wax rust proofing helps protect the chassis from corrosion.
In using advanced SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) only technology to meet the ‘ultra-low emission’ restrictions posed by London, the MAN D08 engine negates the requirement of an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculating) system. This means that the new D08 is not only more efficient in operation, but oil-change intervals are extended from 12 months to 18 months, or 80,000 km and it’s 103 kg lighter too when compared to the previous generation engine.
Jonathan Lupton, Econ Operations Director, said; “The attraction of this vehicle for this challenging operation is simple, not only is there a reduction in both emissions and serviceable parts but there is also a weight saving too. This means that we can further help our customers maximise their fleet efficiency and improve both vehicle uptime and payload.
“Gritters are known to have extended periods without use, however, due to vehicle duty cycles and the harsh environments they work in, the SCR only solution is ideal for this operation.”
Sitting on top of the robust and easy to mount TGM 4X4 chassis is the low, compact and narrow MAN C cab. The C cab, with its low 3119 mm overall roof height, offers a deep windscreen and large side windows, it’s low and easy to access and affords the driver excellent vision and high levels of comfort, all of which are perfect attributes for this application.
Matched to the MAN TipMatic 12 speed automatic gearbox, with advanced off-road soft wear, both axles feature electronic diff locks, the rear axle comes with hub reduction, which offers a further weight saving, the front axle is driven and is disengageable when all-wheel drive isn’t required. Ordered from the factory with a PTO transfer case management system (VSM) and a front mounting DIN plate, the TGM 18.250 4X4 has a wheelbase of 3900 mm and is ready for front mountable equipment such as snow blade or plough.
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